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Primary concerns for Bitcoin investors 

The Bitcoin network issues and transmits bitcoins. This digital protocol platform is a peer-to-peer, online network comprising nodes or computers of miners. A digital ledger called the blockchain records and time-stamps each Bitcoin transaction before displaying it publicly in a block. Thus, blockchain technology creates a transaction history for all bitcoins, and users can verify…
(FILES) In this file photo taken on September 24, 2020 shows a physical imitation of a Bitcoin at a crypto currency “Bitcoin Change” shop, near Grand Bazaar, in Istanbul. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)

The Bitcoin network issues and transmits bitcoins. This digital protocol platform is a peer-to-peer, online network comprising nodes or computers of miners. A digital ledger called the blockchain records and time-stamps each Bitcoin transaction before displaying it publicly in a block.

Thus, blockchain technology creates a transaction history for all bitcoins, and users can verify it. Miners generate new bitcoins by confirming transactions and getting new tokens as their reward. According to Bitcoin’s protocol, the world can’t have more than 21 million bitcoins.

Since its inception, Bitcoin’s value has grown exponentially. For this reason, many people and institutions want to invest in this digital currency. And because mining bitcoins requires high investments in electricity and powerful computers, and possession of specialized skills, most investors opt to purchase Bitcoin with fiat money. Platforms like BitIQ allow people and institutions to buy Bitcoin with fiat cash like the U.S dollar. After buying bitcoins, people send them to digital wallets to use them for daily transactions or hold them, hoping their value will increase and sell them later.

However, Bitcoin investors have several concerns that you should know if you are new to this virtual currency. Since you spend your hard-earned money on Bitcoin purchases, these things might concern you too.

Digital Wallet Security
In real life, you ensure the security of your physical wallet because it has your fiat cash. Bitcoin enables you to transfer value to other users regardless of their time zones or locations. It also gives you control over your funds. But these features have security concerns. For instance, if somebody gets your private key, they can transfer all your bitcoins. Nevertheless, Bitcoin provides a high-security level if you use it correctly. Therefore, adopt the proper practices to protect the bitcoins in your digital wallet.

Bitcoin’s Price Volatility
Bitcoin’s price can decrease or increase unpredictably within a brief period. That’s because this virtual currency has a young economy with a novel nature. Its market is sometimes illiquid. Consequently, financial experts recommend avoiding using Bitcoin to keep all your savings. Instead, people should see Bitcoin as a high-risk asset. Also, don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose in Bitcoin. If somebody pays you with bitcoins, convert them to local currency.

Bitcoin Transactions are Irreversible
You can’t reverse a Bitcoin transaction. That means you must be careful when sending bitcoins to organizations and people to ensure that they can refund you if you send the wrong amount. What’s more, businesses should track every payment request they display to customers. Nevertheless, Bitcoin detects typos and won’t allow you to transfer tokens to an address if it’s invalid. However, implement controls to ensure additional safety. In the future, Bitcoin users might have other services to allow them more protection and choices.

Bitcoin is Not Entirely Anonymous
It’s crucial to know that protecting your privacy when using Bitcoin requires some effort. Bitcoin transaction details are permanent and public on the blockchain. That means any user can see any Bitcoin address’ transactions and balance. However, the network keeps the user’s identity anonymous until they reveal it during a transaction. That’s why people should use Bitcoin addresses only once.

Bitcoin is Experimental
The world has known and used Bitcoin for over a decade now. However, this virtual currency is still in active development. And each improvement makes this virtual currency more appealing while revealing new challenges with its growing adoption. Consequently, Bitcoin users might experience slower confirmations, increased fees, and other issuers during this growth period. What’s more, government regulations and taxes are likely to set in as more jurisdictions require users to pay sales, payroll, capital gains, and income taxes.

To most people, Bitcoin is a relatively new mode of payment. Consequently, they have concerns about how it will unfold and fit in the economic world. Nevertheless, this virtual currency has continued to grow as its adoption and acceptance increase worldwide.

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